U.S. Senator Calls for Sanctions Against Sudan's Rapid Support Forces Amid Ongoing Conflict

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has called for sanctions against Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its leader, Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, for human rights violations during a hearing on the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The conflict has led to civilian deaths, displacement, and potential famine in the Darfur region.

Senator Cardin urged Special Envoy Tom Periello to pursue a diplomatic solution and stop external actors from arming the belligerents. He expressed concern over reports of involvement from the UAE, Iran, Russia, Egypt, Chad, and Libya in the conflict, stating that their actions are fueling the conflict and violating the UN arms embargo.

Cardin emphasized the need to hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable and to provide additional humanitarian support to address the impending famine in the region.

The U.S. is urging all countries to halt arms sales to the warring parties, warning that the situation in Darfur, where a genocide occurred 20 years ago, is 'repeating itself'. The U.S. ambassador to the UN warned that the capital of Darfur, El Fasher, is 'on the precipice of a large-scale massacre' and called for the RSF to end their siege of the city.

The conflict has been fueled by weapons from foreign supporters, and the UN has said both sides may be committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide in Darfur.

Why this matters: The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with the potential for widespread famine and further atrocities in the Darfur region. The international community's response and the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts will be crucial in preventing further escalation and protecting civilians caught in the crossfire.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, warned of a looming assault on the city of El Fasher in Darfur, which could result in a 'disaster on top of a disaster' and put 500,000 internally displaced persons at risk.

She called for immediate action, including the RSF ending its siege and build-up of military forces in El Fasher, all parties respecting international law and protecting civilians, regional powers stopping the provision of weapons, the warring parties engaging in direct negotiations, and enabling unhindered humanitarian access to areas in need.

The U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, stated that the war and humanitarian crisis in Sudan are already catastrophic, with the potential for famine, increased ethnic and regional fighting, and the possibility of a failed state. The U.S. strategy is to end the war through diplomatic efforts, raising the cost of fighting, and building an alliance of regional partners to compel the two sides to accept a deal that hands the Sudanese people back their future.

As of April 30, 2024, the United Nations and its partners reported that about 29 people were killed in recent attacks on at least 16 villages around El Fasher, the North Darfur State capital in Sudan. Thousands

Key Takeaways

• U.S. Senator Cardin calls for sanctions on Sudan's RSF for rights abuses.
• Cardin criticizes foreign interference fueling the conflict, violating UN arms embargo.
• U.S. urges countries to halt arms sales to warring parties in Sudan.
• Potential for famine, atrocities in Darfur; UN warns of looming massacre in El Fasher.
• U.S. strategy aims to end war through diplomacy, raising costs, and regional alliances.